Both Ginetta LMP1s to Miss 6H Silverstone

Ginetta has confirmed that its pair of LMP1 entries will skip the upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship round at Silverstone.

The British manufacturer stated that TRSM Racing will not contest its home race “due to circumstances outside [its] control” relating to a change of engine from Mechachrome’s 3.4-liter V6 to the AER P60B twin-turbo V6.

It’s understood Ginetta failed to request the engine change within the permitted time period for re-homologation, with the FIA prohibiting any changes within a 30-day window prior to each event.

“Ginetta is hugely disappointed by this outcome, as the manufacturer had ensured everything was in place to deliver a competitive car ready for the manufacturer and team’s ‘home’ race,” a team statement read.

“This included a change of engine in order to provide the additional power that was missing on the G60-LT-P1’s competitive debut at Le Mans.

“A new manufacturer had been sourced, with the Ginetta technical team electing to switch to an AER P60B twin-turbo V6 engine when existing engine supplier, Mecachrome, confirmed they could not make the necessary changes.

“Sadly, despite Ginetta’s best efforts, it now appears that the cars will not race.”

The team missed the season-opening Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in May due to funding-related issues with Manor’s Chinese sponsorship, which had put the entire program in jeopardy.

While debuting at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the cars struggled with pace and reliability issues, with the No. 5 Ginetta G60-LT-P1 Mecachrome of Charlie Robertson, Michael Simpson and Leo Roussel finishing 41st overall after multiple setbacks.

Manor sporting director Graeme Lowdon told Sportscar365 at Le Mans that its funding issues were behind them, although questions have still surrounded whether the team would complete the remainder of the season.